Dr. Jack Thomas

Western Illinois University teachers and staff are still in mediation with the administration regarding a new contract. They’re working under terms of the previous contract, which expired over the summer.

Western’s president said he hopes the two sides “will arrive at an equitable and mutually beneficial resolution.” That statement sparked some teachers and administrators to offer up a few comments to Western’s Board of Trustees. Illinois Public Radio’s Rich Egger reports.

The president of Western Illinois University will keep his job for at least one more year. The board of trustees unanimously agreed to extend Dr. Jack Thomas' contract through the 2016-17 fiscal year. Reading from a prepared statement during the board's quarterly meeting... chairperson Roger Clawson said trustees enthusiastically commend Thomas for the leadership he's shown during difficult times, and trustees support his strategic vision for Western. After the meeting, Clawson said Thomas is steering the University through uncharted waters.